Demonstrates correct posture for typing; proper fingering of the keys; use of the shift key, back spacer, tabulator, carriage return lever, etc.; and differences between manual and electric typewriters.

Published: 1944

Usage: Public Domain

Production Company: U.S. Navy

打字机

片子里除了讲了打字的一下练习方法，还有一部分是关于打字机的使用，在此我略过了。

【目的】：Aquire superior usable typing skill.

One way to learn a better or the best way of doing anything is to watch and analyse the skills of an expert.

In 1976, when I was six years old, my mother took a typing course and bought a Smith-Corona portable manual typewriter. I absolutely loved that little machine, even though it was a glorified toy. Sadly, at that time, the typewriter’s glory days were just about over.

I still own a couple old manual typewriters. The best of the two is a 1962 Olympia, but even then, they were being made with plastic keys. This 1943 Navy training film, geared toward secretaries, features the great typewriters of the 1930s and 40s (the Underwood is my favorite) which were all-metal and built to be long-lasting, easy to maintain workhorses.

The movie opens with footage of rare, beautiful antique typewriters, then shows us various current (as of 1943) models, including an early electric typewriter. Most typewriter enthusiasts (myself included) consider electrics an abomination. Manual typewriters were definitely better. There was no motor to burn out, the keys didn’t jam as often, and manuals were easier to maintain.

Lenore Benton, a then-famous typist, is the host and narrator. She covers not only typing techniques but ergonomics as well - how to sit at the typewriter to enhance comfort and performance. Of course, Ms. Benton uses the old standard ASDF JKL; fingering technique, and reinforces the myth that the correct typing technique is what’s most important, not speed and accuracy because that comes with using the correct technique.

I never could type using the ASDF JKL; method. It slowed me down and cramped up my hands. In my junior high school typing class, (circa 1983) I devised my own typing method - a kind of free-form hunt-and-peck using only my index, middle, and ring fingers. I was able to accurately type 50 to 60 words per minute that way. I got an A in the class.

Still, it was a lot of fun to watch Ms. Benton demonstrate her techniques and see her lightning-fast fingers fly over the keyboard. I laughed when she said that her instruction would help “women and girls” become better typists. Even back then - especially during the war - most male soldiers - especially staff and officers - had to do a lot of their own typing. :o)

If you’re a typewriter enthusiast or just have great memories of using these wonderful machines, this is a MUST-SEE on this site! Memo to Mr. Prelinger: more typing films, please! :o)